Prince Albert II has urged European nations to defend multilateralism, dialogue and the rule of law as Monaco hosted ambassadors from the Council of Europe’s 46 member states during its first presidency of the organisation’s Committee of Ministers.
Speaking at a reception at the Prince’s Palace on Wednesday 2nd September, the Prince said no country could confront the challenges facing Europe alone.
“In the face of the war against Ukraine, in the face of growing distrust between nations and the rule of law being called into question, multilateralism and dialogue remain irreplaceable,” he said.
“The Council of Europe, with its conventions, its Court and its monitoring mechanisms, offers an indispensable framework, one that it falls to us collectively to preserve, to defend and to strengthen.”
Prince Albert II welcomed the representatives alongside Princess Charlene following a meeting of the Committee of Ministers hosted in the Principality. It was the committee’s first gathering since the summer break and took place under Monaco’s six-month presidency, which continues until November.
Monaco joined the Council of Europe in 2004. The Prince described its first presidency of the committee as “the fruit of a long endeavour” and an opportunity for the Principality to share its values and commitments.
“The protection of all, through an organisation equipped to meet the challenges of our time,” would remain the central focus of Monaco’s work, he said.
Europe facing a single threat to democratic security
Earlier in the day, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset told the assembled ambassadors that Russia’s war against Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, migration and foreign interference should not be treated as separate crises.
Instead, he said, they formed a broader threat to Europe’s democratic security that required a united response. The same principle should guide reform of the Council of Europe itself.
On Ukraine, Berset pointed to intensifying Russian airstrikes, civilian casualties and rising tensions around the Black Sea and in Baltic airspace. He said maintaining European unity around Ukraine remained essential and called for Europe to play a direct role in efforts to secure peace.
The conflict was taking place on European soil, he stressed, and could not be resolved without Europe’s involvement. He also referred to a new Council of Europe action plan for Ukraine.
Middle East, migration and foreign interference
Turning to the Middle East, Berset said the renewed escalation demonstrated how quickly conflict in the region could affect European security.
He called for international law to be respected, civilians to be protected and humanitarian access to Gaza – where he described the situation as catastrophic – to be guaranteed. He also affirmed Israel’s right to security.
On migration, Berset referred to the recent crisis in Ceuta, where more than 100 people reportedly died after large numbers attempted to cross from Morocco into Spain.
While recognising the right of member states to control their borders, he said the Council of Europe was working towards a collective response to migrant smuggling.
Prince Albert II, meanwhile, placed Monaco’s presidency within the Principality’s longstanding commitment to solidarity, progress and the protection of life.
“At a time when the world is passing through a period of profound instability, when crises follow one another and compound one another, these commitments, like those that have guided the Council of Europe since its foundation, must be reaffirmed,” he said.
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Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais princier)